Tania Case, parent engagement worker
at Teyfant Community School in Bristol, explains how an Internet
Rangers session held in the summer (2006) provided a meaningful
way to engage families in their child's education, as well
as an opportunity to encourage families to search and read
internet sites together.
It was agreed that a taster session, during which the children
taught their family members to use the internet, would be
an effective way to engage parents. During the planning
of this event, key factors, such as the age and ability
of the children as well as the selection of parents who
would most benefit from the activity, were all paramount
to the success of the project. It was also essential to
consider the welcome that the parents received and how to
sustain the project's support and enthusiasm in school.
It was felt that the most effective way to reach out to
parents was to ask the pupils (Year 4) to invite a family
member themselves. The children put a lot of effort into
personalising the invitation that went home. This method
of communication proved hugely successful as the response
was staggering, with requests for places far outnumbering
the number available.
The session was a real achievement for everybody involved.
The children's confidence increased throughout the session
and it was clear that they felt a real sense of pride, knowing
that they were sharing an important skill with their family.
The feedback from the adults was also very positive. One
grandparent said:
"It was the first time that I had
switched on a computer - I had real fun!"
At the end of the session, the children presented the adults
with a copy of the photo that had been taken during the
session and a certificate.
The session proved to be an extremely rewarding experience
for all involved. Its framework was used in the second of
these workshops. This session was held in September (2006)
and involved Year 5 pupils and their families. It is hoped
there will be more opportunities for the school to engage
its families throughout the year.
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